iOS 15 elevates Apple Maps with 3D graphics

London, Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco are practically glowing in the updated Apple Maps app.

With iOS 15 released earlier this month, those cities got a 3D update with major landmarks digitally reconstructed in vivid, eye-popping detail. Coit Tower, Dodger Stadium, the Statue of Liberty, and Royal Albert Hall are some of the stand-out sites that almost jump out of the screen as you look through each cityscape.

At night those structures (and others) glow on the iPhone screen once it’s dusk IRL. Below, the Statue of Liberty is lit-up against the dark nighttime background.

The Statue of Liberty glows at night on the maps app.
Credit: APPLE

It’s not just famous views with the 3D treatment. Other parts of the cities are shown with similar realistic detail such as city centers, marinas, waterfronts, and everyday office buildings.

Later this year, the 3D views will expand to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and San Diego. Next year Canada will have its moment with the more detailed map coming to Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.

The new look in Maps is available with the iOS 15 update. When using the app for driving directions, road details with the new 3D look are also live.